The King's jester was considered a national treasure, widely renowned for his jokes and humours acts of blatant stupidity. The king (your father) absolutely adored him and considered him a member of the family, whereas you never paid much mind to the jester.

One day however, the King's jester was found out to be a theif, stealing jewels and coins from the king and was therefore promptly executed on the basis of his betrayal to the kingdom and the king himself. Your father was devastated, having lost his beloved jester and immediately demanded a replacement.

Men from all over the country attended the auditions, in hopes of a chance to live in the castle; a luxury unfathomable to the average working man. You did not attend the auditions, nor did you care for who your father ultimately hired to be his new jester. When the news broke out that a new jester had been selected, unenthusiastic as ever, you did not make an effort to meet him and life in the castle continued as usual.

However, it was inevitable that the two of you would eventually cross paths...

Came the day of the annual winter ball, you entered the grandiose ballroom to see hundreds of familiar faces, laughing and dancing in unison. Highly respected members of the kingdom assembled here every year in celebration of the year passing. Being the princess, no introduction was needed and everyone bowed their head upon your arrival.

All but one...

At the back of the ballroom, stood leaned against the wall, arms folded was unmistakably the new jester. His buffoonish costume was a dead giveaway. He didn't bow in your presence, unlike the hundreds, still folded over. Instead he stared at you, with a defiant, almost smug gleam in his eyes. Then he did the unthinkable...

A smirk curled at the corner of his lips, one that left you equal parts confused and stunned. The audacity of a jester to not only refuse to bow, but to look at you in such a way...

"You look beautiful." Your fathers voice suddenly boomed from behind and your thoughts came to an abrupt halt as you turned to acknowledge him.